Cardinal flower for birds in Illinois
Scarlet late-summer spikes; a hummingbird magnet in moist soil. Native to Illinois, where it feeds or shelters 3 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Lobelia cardinalis
- Native status
- Native in Illinois
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5a–7b
- What birds get from it
- nectar
- Illinois birds supported
- 3
- Nesting birds among them
- 3
Growing conditions in Illinois
Humid continental, grading from the Lake Michigan shore and prairie north to the forested Shawnee Hills in the south.
Hot, humid summers; much of the state is farmland, so backyard native plantings matter.
Illinois birds that use Cardinal flower
Summer breeders (3)
Nesting season it supports in Illinois
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Cardinal flower:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird — May–August
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
Native plants to pair with Cardinal flower in Illinois
Native red tubular flowers timed to hummingbird arrival.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Frequently asked
Is Cardinal flower native to Illinois?
Yes. Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is recorded as native in Illinois. Illinois spans USDA 5a–7b.
What birds does Cardinal flower attract in Illinois?
In Illinois, Cardinal flower supports 3 backyard birds, including Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole.
Does Cardinal flower help nesting birds in Illinois?
3 of those birds nest in Illinois: Ruby-throated Hummingbird (May–August), Baltimore Oriole (May–July), Orchard Oriole (May–June).
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Illinois
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.